Hi, I’m Melissa Jenna Godsey, but you can call me MJ if you want to. I’m a wife, mother, accidental entrepreneur, wisdom seeker, and truth lover. These days I work from home on a few projects (my husband and I create classroom resources for teachers, and I do some freelance communication work), while also:

homeschooling our daughter (three days a week),

chasing after our toddler son,

tackling the day-to-day demands of our home,

serving as a leader in a weekly bible study and MOPS group,

advocating for the needs of young families in my community,

tending to and caring for myself—cultivating, pruning, and nurturing, so that I can be better and stronger tomorrow, and all the tomorrows I’m blessed to get after that.

But it wasn’t always this way.

I used to work 40+ (50+, 60+…) hours a week at a “real job,” but one day a question popped into my head: “What would your life be like if you stopped giving the best of yourself to your job, and started giving the best of yourself to your family, and those you love?” That question really challenged me to the point that I decided to find out. So now we’re doing things our own way, and trying hard not to keep up with the Joneses.

This here is my personal blog. It’s my party, and I’ll write what I want to, which is mostly: living healthfully, the practice of finding joy and peace in all things, and applying truth to our everyday lives.

It’s my hope that what I have to share enriches your life and that you feel safe and comfortable enough to challenge my thinking, and engage in conversation. That’s what I’m here for, when it gets right down to it.

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The big long bio:

I’ve been putting words and videos on the internet for a long time, and have had some remarkable experiences.

I feel very blessed to have the amazing adventures that I continue to have, and for having met so many wonderful people in the process.

My family and I reside in San Luis Obispo, California, the “happiest town in North America!” I also have a younger brother who I love beyond reason or comprehension; he’s pretty much the raddest person you’ll ever meet, but I guess you’ll just have to take my word on that.

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I believe that you’re a precious, intentional and unique creation of God, and that he created you on purpose, for a purpose that only you can fulfill. You don’t have to agree with me, and I wouldn’t imagine imposing my beliefs on you, but also, I would feel equally wrong not sharing this amazing goodness with you. It’s like when you discover a really great restaurant and their food is so delicious you want to tell everyone in the world about it.

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Disclaimer Notice: Occasionally I accept compensation in exchange for featuring specific content on my blog. Let’s face it: keeping a blog costs money, and I’d like this to be a hobby that pays for itself. Rest assured that when I have been compensated for content, that it will be plainly obvious on the post. Also, the reason I routinely decline offers of compensation is because I am picky, and have a fear of being labeled a sell-out. Know that if I’m shilling something, it’s because I know that the company or organization is reputable, and I genuinely like what I’m shilling.

Also: Nothing on my personal blog is a reflection of the beliefs of my clients, nor any previous employer of mine. The is a personal blog, and everything contained here is solely my responsibility. Mine mine mine.

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22 Comments

Julie Danks

Hi Melissa! Wow! This is amazing! I cannot wait to meet you and Bean! I’ve only gotten a chance to flip casually thru your website, as I am not a You-Tubber but hopefully (when all my kids are not sitting in my lap all at the same time) I can figure out the YouTube thing and see more of you! My husband & I will be up in SLO in a few weeks. I will contact Cuz Mike to see if we might be able to stop by or grab a bite to eat (we will be kid-free for the weekend)!!

sophye n

Melissa,
Watched you fix an xbox on you tube, and it inspired me to tackle the project myself. just wanted to say thanks to you and ifixit for the inspiration and instructions. It works, and i learned a few things about electronics in the process.

Anders

Woow you realy are a fantastic girl… i came home one day, feeling a litle sad and moody, i then stumbled on one of your ifixit videos, with you smiling and spreading joy.. after that my mood raised about 100%… it’s wery amazing how much sun you ray throug the screen :-))

M

MonOkel

Hi MJ,
You are doing really cool ifixit videos. Everytime I watch them I am amazed by the simple words you use or pieces of advice you give always with a smile, so it becomes a joy to watch you. Besides that I am impressed how chosen and well mannerd you talk without being arrogant or boring. You are really a kind of role model for me for how to interact with other people or how to speak fluently and free (Have you been in any kind of rhetorical course or are you teaching a language?!). I Would look forward to see a video in which you show some tips or technics for how to hold a speech.
Hope to see more vids!!!!

P.S.: Sorry for the many grammar mistakes or whatsoever, because english is not my mother tongue.

Hello! I look forward to really diving into your blog. Also, thank you for following my blog at Faith1st Ministry. I hope it has and will continue to be a major blessing in your life. May God richly bless you as you continue to write and blog. Please continue with us on this journey and remember to have Faith 1st. — Sebastian

jill

You seem like a very interesting person. I just found your blog and read your post about shades of grey… I am wondering if you do or plan on homeschooling your children. Hope to hear from you soon. Blessings, Jill

Rachel

kim long

Just read your article 50 shades…it so hit the nail on the head! I was just telling my husband a few days ago that I felt like Satan was attacking the women right now. So many are losing the battle. I myself (shame) considered going to the movie. I am going through a very emotional time right now because we just lost our beautiful 13 year old daughter and was evidently weak and looking for a diversion. So thankful God shook some sense into me before I went because I know I would have regretted it. So, thank you for the article. I look forward to digging around and reading more of your stuff. God bless you and your family.

Lisa Huddleston

Susan

Hi Melissa, I just read your article on 50 Shades/Magic Mike. Great job stepping up and speaking the truth that God is placing on your heart. I have felt the same way, as many people around me are reading the book and I haven’t had the courage or right words to say. Thank you.

Laurel

Julie

First, can I say this is totally not like me. I read people’s blogs all the time, but I have never left a comment. I just wanted to encourage you and the stand you are taking for Christ. The way you respond to people with opposing view points is awesome! I can tell that you are genuinely trying to show the love of Christ to others, even when they don’t agree with you. (This is regarding a conversation I saw in the comments of your 50 shades post). So, I just wanted to encourage you and thank you for showing people that not all Christians are judgmental and rude. Thank you for being an example of how to take on opposition with love and kindness (:

Rachel Bradley

Thanks. I love to write, and often feel as if I “have to”. I hadn’t put into words the reasons I didn’t want to read 50 Shades- but you hit the nail on the head. It’s not because I’m “better” than anyone. It’s because I want to surround myself with “Whatever is true, honarable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute.”

dan :)

Hi. I’ve been having problems with my iPhone 4. Did a bunch of googling and came across the ifixit videos. Fell in love and forgot all about the phone! Been watching your Youtube videos for the 2 hours. Heart shattered when I found out you’re married. Love your hair and the eyeglasses! Well, guess I have to go back to my phone 😦